The final show is notorious for being a stinker. In the grand scheme, yes, but for '95 it's not terrible – in fact it's better than the night before. Oddly, there are many reviews here that rank it as one of the top shows ever [five stars]. In the '80s & '90s critics who disparaged the Dead often claimed that the band was popular because their fans lacked the ability to discern good from bad. Now we see that for a minority that is accurate (or the concept of a star-rating show comparison system is a stumper – a number of reviews offer "Worse show ever, I give it five stars."). If this is one of the best shows, I can't imagine your pick for a 2 or 3 star show (that boot of Mickey grocery shopping?). Or maybe a scene noted for its non-conformists still has a few that feel a cosmic imperative to stick it to the man (such as it is) and disrupt a collective, objective rating system – even though it's a valuable tool for listening purposes (and audio archiving itself); to brusquely corrupt and devalue the rating tool so that we have no way of judging which of the 1,950 shows are da kine and which are relative time sinks. Admittedly, input for a show of such historical import is going to be frenzied and varied; at some vectors it will naturally be challenging to divorce subjectivity from the goals and objectives of a Dead audio archive. Lest it be forgotten there were: Tapers, Spinners, Vendors, Aesthetes, Ascetics, Lawyers, Doctors, Big Red, Rollins, Malkmus, Ranaldo, Weekend Warriors, Brokedown Palaces, Frisbees, Wharf Rats, Cosmic Realizations, New RVs, Old VWs, Pie Eyes, Tour Vets, Kids, Gramps, Teens, Beads, Hats, Dosers, Jews-for-Jerry, Respected Beach Balls, You-shoulda-been-there-in-73-mans, Where's-my-car?s, Narcs, Tie Dyes, Drum Circles, Tasted Colors, Surly Roadies, Campers, Hotelers, Sprayers, Perma-Grins, Veggie Burritos, Flora Respected for its Place in the Universe, Confused Venue Part-timers, Hacky Seshers, Banner-Makers, Visually Impaired Heads, New Lovers, EXes, Bewildered Locals, Tuned-in Locals, Reformed Heshers, Sleepers, Knowledge-Dropping Clouds, Inexplicably Proficient Wooks, Hand-Dancers, Artistic Sheets, Rainbows, Bemused Rent-a-Cops, Newsletterers, Dragged-to-Show-by-Friend-InstaHeads, Balloons, Lemon Drops, Tracers, Holy Venues, Crap Sheds, Miracled Hitchers, Jolly Veggies, T-Designers, 1%ers, Party Favors, Skate Punks, Old Hippies, all doing the shimmy.

First Set. Touch of Grey is tentative and rough, but the rest of the set improves [well, fractionally]. Little Red Rooster is better (the pattern throughout '95: the Bobby songs are better) and though there is some Bobby Slide Practice™, Vince is good. There are lots of flubs in a sloppy Lazy River Road, but then a full jump in quality for Masterpiece, the set's best, with Bobby on acoustic. That energy is quashed with Childhood's End, the soft rock sapfest that never fully formed. There are 3 in '95 and 11 total, and even though a bit confused, this is about as good as it got. There's a So Many Roads tease, but instead it's a shaky-to-average Cumberland. Promised Land is also flubby but Vince is good and the end solo is okay. They bail, for a short set.

Second Set. Many reviews mention heroin, though Jer was a maintenance user and played worse without it; and even though tobacco, diabetes and fast food killed him, pat, illusory truth is preferred, in perfect societal reflection. Regardless, health status is factorable in a flubby, lost Shakedown. Jer broke out Tiger for this set, his main guitar 1979-90. Samson is some average, some ouch. Though not one of the best versions, when compared in context So Many Roads stands out. The OFF version is edited and patched [from 0:00>0:11 is 3/27/95; 0:11>3:36 is the SBD; 3:36>3:52 is SBD's section 5:59>6:16; @3:52 it jumps back to SBD's 3:51>4:01; @4:01 it jumps to SBD's 6:25, cutting a flubby section, Jer accidentally repeating a verse, and the second solo]. Samba is actually okay, as far as that song goes, but surprising is the Corrina. The lengthy last-half jam is not only the best of the show but one of the most interesting of the tour. As it ebbs & flows, all of Jer's work here is great, even if the song is nobody's fave. Check Bobby in the jam and listen for the final Phil jam with the drummers. A gold nugget lying in the mud, this indicates where the song was heading, or that it was finally coming together. As bad as some second sets are in '95, Drums was peaking, and this is a huge stadium, psychedelic version. The same is usually true for Space, but not tonight. Unbroken Chain may not be a true trainwreck, but Jer is mostly lost. The rest keep it together, though before '95 Phil was careful not to ask them to play it – not just because Phil had to sing but because of the difficult shifting signatures [the 11/8 section interspersed with 15/8]. There's no getting it all back by Sugar Mag, with Jer vacant and Bobby doing the wheezing thing. Black Muddy is a bit stumbly, but note that Jer, in his last vocal performance, changes the lyrics to "Stones fall from my eyes instead of years". In his audio book, about Box of Rain, Phil said "I added this at the last minute because I just couldn't end the tour from hell with Black Muddy River. I called Box of Rain and we went through it. You can hear that it's sung with a little edge. I was having trouble keeping the tears back as I was singing; I really wanted to leave a ray of hope at the end of this tour." There are squelches @3:24/3:53/4:37. Searching drops volume to mask these, 30 Trips cuts half a second from these. Double encores were common at the end of runs or tours before '92. Note that there were three Phil songs. A solid enough ending, actually, and it's a nice bit of history that the final show ended with a fireworks show and Hendrix. It's also sometimes forgotten that The Band opened.

1st Set:  D
2nd Set: C
Overall = 1¾ stars

Highlights:
Corrina – unique jam
Drums – peaking at the end of the bus ride

SOURCES: The miller_114369 has the best sound, but has the tunings trimmed, which is particularly distracting in the 2nd set. So Many Roads has part of So Many Roads. The Searching for the Sound disc has Box of Rain, which was also included as a single in 30 Trips. The first half of the 2nd set is usually up on YouTube [look for 1080p 60fps remaster] – mostly footage from the effects screen, but a good version of So Many Roads.

I looked at all 11 sources on the archive and didn't see a Matrix. Hey now, can one of you Matrix Gods make it happen for this historical show?

Well, that's it. I listened to every recorded moment. It took me 5 years but I did it. It's astounding to me that there are very few truly awful performances. We can argue about our favorite era; our favorite keyboardist and the relative merits of Donna Godchaux, but having listened to it all, I can say it's consistently pretty good. Thanks for the memories boys (and girl). You are the soundtrack of my life.

I don't think I have ever listened to this start to finish so today is as good a day as any. First off, the sound is great, very polished. The first set starts off strong and keeps the energy going throughout. Jerry forgets a bunch of words but instead of just mumbling nonsense, he seems to find his way back pretty quick and gets back into the tune. I was surprised when they went into Promised Land to end the first set so quickly, it was cruisin along nicely, I think it could have used at least one or more songs to give it a little more ummpph. I saw the Giants Stadium and Albany shows summer '95 and this show is better than all of those. Then again, to be better than Giants Stadium '95 or '94, it barely has to be breathing.

I've heard bits and pieces of this one over the past 23 years.... So Many Roads was always a favorite, and this version is so poignant. Rest of the show [other than Samba in the Rain and Corrina] is great for 1995.... And watching video, Jerry seems more engaged and alert than a lot of the earlier shows on the tour [Giants Stadium shows were heartbreaking.... ]. That said, still hunched over when playing leads that are nothing like what he used to be able to play in his sleep..... At the end of the day, as I listen to this one, Jerry is present..... filling space while Bobby sings.... vocals strong.... band tight, but the 6th cylinder is only going at about 50% power..... Don't rate shows I wasn't at, because there was so much about a Dead show that you can't capture on tape.... But unlike some of the other shows I saw in 94 and 95, don't think I'd have left this one thinking it was the last one.... yes, Jerry needed time off.... but much like the video of the last Morning Dew, he seems happy..... But, it is what it is.... And I'm grateful for the experiences and the memories....

Five-stars for the storied history of The Grateful Dead. No other band quite like 'em. As Ken Nordine put it, in spring 93 at Rosemont: "the greatest band anywhere in the universe!" Must-listen- on those grounds, alone. Also, this SBD recording is excellent. It's of course worth dropping in for the So Many Roads and the Box of Rain. Both versions are frequently cited as "favorites." Don't forget the Black Muddy River. Poignant, as noted by others:

When it seems like the night will last forever
And there's nothing left to do but count the years
When the strings of my heart start to sever
And stones fall from my eyes instead of tears

I will walk alone by the black muddy river
And dream me a dream of my own
I will walk alone by the black muddy river
And sing me a song of my own
And sing me a song of my own

In The Greatest Stories Ever Told Series, David Dodd writes: "I have been told that, if you listen carefully, you will hear Garcia sing "last muddy river" at one point in the performance, as if he knew, as if he was quite conscious of what he was singing. I can't bring myself to listen to it for myself right now, but maybe I will." Read more: http://www.dead.net/features/greatest-stories-ever-told/greatest-stories-ever-told-black-muddy-river.

Hard not to think, in retrospect, he was singing for Jerry. Overall not a great show, like so many of this era, but that last song was moving.

Thanks for the memories ... 21 years ago today Jerry's final show

Can someone please tell me why the Dead did a double encore this night? With fireworks too. I believe the band knew this was their last show. 30 years had come to an end with bad things happen on this tour I felt that this was going to be the last tour especially when I heard of the double encore. Also Phil busted out the Unbroken chain spring 95 which I was told would never happen.
Also thanks to this site for bringing back good times and good memories !! I miss you Jerry. If not for you my life wouldn't be the same.

your new format does not list new additions to the Archive.
This is one of your most important features, please fix this

I have never asked for a miracle ticket and have always bought my own. I would like to go to one of the 5oth Anniversary shows and hoping someone who is on archives can help a brother out.
Please reply to klearjet@aol.com

Peace
Kevin

Understand that with the reviews of this show bordering on "awful", "un-listenable", and "the worst show ever", my review is on the one, shining, sparkling meteor of the show.

Bobby's acoustic guitar and Jerry's trademark noodling behind it, make this Masterpiece a top-ten of all time for the band.

Argue if you want, flat out deny it, but put on your headphones, and listen, no-really listen to this version of a Bob Dylan classic.

Bob remembers all the words, his phrasing is perfect between the chords, and a struggling Jerry steps out from the cellar with perfect fills, excellent chord-change harmonies, and for all intents and purposes, nails this song.

Yeah, the rest of the show is sub-par, and yes, you can really hear the band driving the train through the underbrush, just praying it stays on the rails.

If you are only going to listen to one song in this show, make it this one, and you will not be disappointed.

~syf

Show's not one I can listen to - not because it makes me sad, but because it's just crappy musicianship, let's face it. HOWEVER, So Many Roads is indeed special - the thing clocks in at around 12 minutes and has just enough restrained soul to make it a moving, final last stand for Jerry. 'Twas the last bend in the river. Really, it's the only portion of this show worth tuning into. See Jerry out properly, if you bother with this one at all.

Deborah Koons Garcia BIGGESET LOSER IN DEAD HISTORY

The rest isn't. BMR and SMR are ok for the sentimentality of Garcia's croaking delivery though sentimentality is not why I listened to the Grateful Dead. Sad.

I was at this show. I was a new head, just my second show, the first being Ohio '94. I never got to see Jerry and the boys in top form. Thank goodness for the Archive and Dick's Pick's!!! This is a terrible show by musical (and/or Dead) standards. All of the 5 star ratings are strictly emotional. This being said from a 16 year old (at the time of the show) who was in pure bliss at any Dead show!

For anyone to gives this show 5 stars would be placing the final show among such shows as 5/8/77, 8/27/72, 02/14/68, 7/8/78, 02/18/71, 06/10/73, 04/29/71, 09/21/72, 02/09/73, 06/10/73, 02/24/74, 10/20/74, etc. (in no particular order) you get the point. I'm not trying to open a pandora's box of 'best shows' or 'best eras' (sorry for not including any 80's or 90's shows, I admittedly and biasly just like the 60's & 70's Dead better).

Let's just face it people, this show sucked!!!

Props to all of you posters who recognize that. As a young head, by standards, trying to sift through 30 years of music to find the stuff dreams are made of, it's sad to see this show pop up as a 'show I need to hear.' Sorry, but my Dead experience would be much better with out this this tape in my collection.

But wait, there is one moment, like in many shows...

This So Many Roads is by far the best of all 55 they played.

I have not heard all of them, I admit, but have heard a lot of them. It is epic, transcendent, creepy, beautiful, and poetic in its utmost form. As cliche as it sounds, it's like Jerry is saying goodbye. He's singing about all his years and the roads he's been down to find peace in this life, that we all share, just the same.

Now Jerry is where billions have gone before him, and will all end up after him.

Thank you Jerry. For being human and being willing to fail and succeed if front of thousands of people on a regular basis. It makes us all know that life is not about perfection and bliss, just trying to get there as often as possible.

and thought the first set was patchy, but the first half of the second is really great. The band is clicking well, and Garcia's chops are sharp.

Rest of show: a lot of imperfections in the Chain and Sugar Mag, but all in all one of the greatest sets you'll hear from '95. Miller's rendition is awesome as usual.

Now and forever in my soul.

Quite the setlist for what would be Jerry's last show. i take it as a huge sign that "touch of grey" is the first song and "box of rain" is the very last one. "Lazy River Road", "When I Paint My Masterpiece", "Shakedown Street", and "So Many Roads" are just a few standouts from this show. Thank you so much Charlie Miller for all of your amazing recordings. Thank you Jerry, Bob, Phil, Billy, Pigpen, Mickey, Keith, Brent, Tom, Donna, Vince, and Bruce, without you all I don't know who I would be today.

download this and as many shows (especially Charlie Miller shows) as you can while they are still free!!

How could a CM source on the last rodeo not have a review?
What a great piece by hb_scone in the big review thread.
The encores sometimes bring me to tears. I still have my tics for the '95 September Boston Garden shows. Eventually, when we are all hopefully in heaven, I'll be able to use those tics.
It's just heartbreaking to hear Jerry dying on stage. The clarity makes it better & worse, but I'm glad we have it.
I do miss him so very much.